2nd Annual “Taste of Fair Trade.” Ten Thousand Villages, located at 915 King St., will celebrate Fair Trade month with its second annual “Taste of Fair Trade.” Call 703-684-1435 or visit www.alexandria.tenthousandvillages.com

Scheduled Tastings:

Oct. 11-12: Snack Time – Dried fruits, nuts, even energy bars.

Oct. 16-17: Fairly traded olive oil from Palestine is rich and full bodied, and there are subtle differences between the varieties.

Oct. 20-21: Iced tea, lemonade and other refreshing beverages.

Oct. 27-28: Sample wines from South America and South Africa.

Through Nov. 2

Death Comes to Carlyle House. To commemorate the 232nd anniversary of the death of John Carlyle, Carlyle House presents an exhibit on the mourning practices of 18th-century Virginia through the experience of the Carlyle household. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. from Tuesday through Saturday, noon-4 p.m on Sunday. Admission: $5/adults, $3/children, Free for members. Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax St. Call 703-549-2997.

Through Nov. 11

Sculpture Exhibition. “Discipline of Edge” presents three Maryland-based artists, Gordon Lyon, Jaclyn Martin and George Wedberg, whose works share a principal concern with edges in space. It will be on display in the Margaret W. and Joseph L. Fisher Art Gallery, located in the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center at the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. The opening reception is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 6, from 4-6 p.m. with curator’s talk at 5 p.m. The gallery hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday and during performances.

Thursday/Oct. 11

Art Night at the Torpedo Factory 6-9 p.m. Free. Browse open studios and galleries, interact with artists, and enjoy refreshments at this free event held on the second Thursday of each month. Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St. Call 703-838-4565 or visit www.tiftmerritt.com or www.Birchmere.com.

Second Thursday Music: Danielle Westphal & Ken Giese. 7 p.m. $10. At the Athenaeum, 201 Prince St. Tickets are available online at nvfaa.org or at the door.

Oct. 12 & 13

Music Event. 7:30 p.m. Celebrated singer-songwriter Dar Williams will perform at The Birchmere, co-headlining with Loudon Wainwright III. Williams tours in support of her ninth studio album, In The Time Of Gods. Visit www.darwilliams.com. Tickets are $45.

The Birchmere Music Hall is located at 3701 Mount Vernon Ave. Call 703-549-7500 or visit www.birchmere.com.

Music Event. 8-10 p.m. David W. Jacobsen's will play at St Elmo's Coffee Pub to promote his newest album, Not What I Meant. 2300 Mount Vernon Ave. Call 703-739-9268. All Ages. Visit http://davidwj.com.

Ghost Tour. 7-9 p.m. Join for ghost tours around the store and learn who haunts the Attic with mysterious movements and unexplained activities. Scary face paintings and spooky craft activities for the whole family. Dressed in Halloween flair for a special gift. Visit www.christmasattic.com or call 703-548-2829. 125 S. Union St.

Free Open House. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. In recognition of October’s designation as National Pharmacy Month, the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum (located at 107 South Fairfax St.) will host a free open house. The Museum’s curator will give special presentations between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Call 703-746-3852 or visit www.apothecarymuseum.org.

Historic Huntley. 6 p.m. Girl Scouts will have a chance to brave a night in the historic house and hear about ghost stories at a program called History on Haunted Hill. Historic Huntley also hosts programs for scouts to earn merit badges, for homeschoolers seeking out local history, and for the general public. Information about all of the programs at Historic Huntley is available www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/huntley-meadows-park/historic-huntley.htm or by calling Huntley Meadows Park at 703-768-2525. Historic Huntley is located at 6918 Harrison Ln.

Annual Family Fall Festival. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Entertainment features Beale Street Puppet Theatre and the sounds of “Skystone,” an Alexandria favorite band performing bluegrass. Some activities, shows and exhibits are free, including the Jerome “Buddie” Ford Nature Center, face painting, pumpkin painting and hay rides. Tickets will be sold for $5 each or 4 for $15 for the pony rides, moon bounce, bouncy boxing and scarecrow building. Food and beverages will also be available for purchase. At Armistead L. Boothe Park, 520 Cameron Station Blvd. Rain or shine. In case of inclement weather, the Festival will move indoors to the Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School, 435 Ferdinand Day Dr. The public is encouraged to bike, walk or take public transit to the event. Visit www.alexandriava.gov/recreation, or call 703-746-5592 or 703-746-5418.

Consignment Sale. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Beverley Hills Church Preschool will be selling a large selection of quality clothes, toys, baby equipment, maternity clothes and more. All proceeds will support the new Beverley Hills Church playground. At Beverley Hills Church Playground, 3512 Old Dominion Blvd. Visit www.bhcpnet.org/playground.

Concert. 7 p.m. Focus Music in Mount Vernon presents a co-bill of folk/pop singers Susan Greenbaum and Carey Creed at St. Aidan's Episcopal Church. Tickets are $18 general, $15 in advance at FocusMusic.org. St. Aidan's is located at 8531 Riverside Road., between Fort Hunt Road and Route 1.

Fall Rummage Sale. 8 a.m.-12 p.m. The FHP Kids Rummage Sale features high-quality used infants', children's and maternity gear, including clothing, toys, games, books and furniture. There will also be some household bargains on linens, kitchenware and decorative /seasonal items. Rain or shine. At Ft. Hunt Preschool located at 1909 Windmill Ln. Visit www.forthuntpreschool.com or call 703-768-7584

Not Your Mother's Tupperware Party. 1-5 p.m. Start holiday shopping with some independent businesses in the area, including Silpada, Thirty-One, Party Lite and more. Enjoy the day, have a bite to eat, listen music and get blood pressure checked. At Nativity Lutheran Church located at 1300 Collingwood Rd.

Sunday/Oct. 14

Carillon Music Comes Alive 4 p.m. Virginia Bronze Handbell Ensemble is joined by Karen Ashbrook (hammered dulcimer and wooden flute) and Paul Oorts (harp guitar and accordian) to present a program of music originally written for the carillon. Admission: Adult - $20, Senior - $8, Student - $5, Family - $20. George Washington Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Dr. Call 888-824-2541.

Estate Sale. 9:45 a.m.-11:45 a.m. The Beth El Hebrew Congregation is holding an online estate sale of Judaica at http://betheljudaicaestatesale.org. You may also attend a sale in person at the Beth El Hebrew Congregation at 3830 Seminary Rd. Individual pieces are being sold from $35 up to $1,750.

Fall 2012 YoKid Challenge. 2-5 p.m. Learn a sequence 108 sun salutations. This free event is open to all ages. No yoga experience is required. Door prizes and snack will also be given out during the event. Free t-shirts and yoga mats are also available for those who pre-register at www.yokidchallengefall2012.eventbrite.com. Mount Vernon Recreation Center, 2701 Commonwealth Ave. Call 703-746-5556.

Monday/Oct. 15

Tower of Power. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $49.50. Visit

www.towerofpower.com. The Birchmere Music Hall is located at 3701 Mount Vernon Ave. Visit www.birchmere.com or call 703-549-7500.

Wednesday/Oct. 17

Decorative Tile Show. 9:30 a.m. The Alexandria/Mount Vernon Antiques Club will feature member Carolyn McDonald, with her collection of Decorative Tiles. Open to the community. Call 703-765-4573 to reserve a seat. Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Rd.

Free Concert. 7:30 p.m. Recognized as one of the “finest all-male collegiate choral groups in the country,” the Notre Dame Glee Club will be performing in Bishop Ireton’s Garwood Whaley Auditorium, 201 Cambridge Rd. Free and open to the public. Donations appreciated.

The Great Zucchini Show. 10 a.m. The wonder of magic, silliness of comedy, and interactive nature of The Great Zucchini's show keeps children on the edge of their seats. At Mt. Vernon Unitarian Church Chapel, 1909 Windmill Ln. Admission is $10/child; children under 2 and adults are free. For tickets, email Carrie O'Neill at fundraising@forthuntpreschool.com.

Training Seminar. 7-9 p.m. Explore the possibilities of teaching young children in a museum-based setting. Participants will engage in hands-on activities that illustrate first hand what object-based learning looks like and explore the integration of children's literature objects, art and story-telling as it relates to projects and themes in early learning. The speakers are Lynann Derrick, Early Childhood Museum Educator and Director at Colonial Nursery School, and Rebecca Cohen, Children's Librarian and Storyteller. Free and open to the public. To reserve a spot, contact Sarah Christie at events@forthuntpreschool.com. At Fort Hunt Preschool, 1909 Windmill Ln.

Historic Train. 10 a.m. Model Railroad Club presents the history of the C & O’s Famous Passenger Train – The George Washington as well as discussing the Chesapeake and Ohio Historical Society’s Annual Meeting. Call 703-765-4573 to reserve a seat. Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Rd.

Fundraiser for Breast Cancer. 5-9 p.m. Come help raise funds for Avon Foundation for Women-Avon Walk for Breast Cancer by participating in Pizza Hut Fundraiser Night. Order from Pizza Hut on Oct. 18 and the organization will receive 20 percent of the sales generated. Please be sure to pick up a fundraiser ticket and bring it to Pizza Hut. At Penn Daw Pizza Hut, 6321 Richmond Hwy. Call 703-765-8900.

Book Sale. 4-8:30 p.m. Friends of Beatley Central Library. This book sale opens to members and the public interested in books, DVDs and CDs at an affordable price. 5005 Duke St. Visit http://www.alexandria.lib.va.us. or call 703-746-1702.

Friday/Oct. 19

Poems & Stories. 7 p.m. Actors from the Georgetown Theatre Company will read stories and poems by Edgar Allan Poe at the Athenaeum, including The Cask of Amontillado, The System of Doctor Tarr, Professor Fether and more. A coffee and dessert reception follows the stories. Admission $10. Visit www.nvfaa.org. The Athenaeum is located at 201 Prince St.

Lafayette Wine Dinner at Gadsby's Tavern Museum. 7-9:30 p.m. Celebrate General Lafayette's visit to Alexandria, enjoy an evening of French and Virginia wines specially paired with a four-course dinner. Tickets are $100 per person and reservations are required. A vegetarian entrée option is available with advance notice. To make reservations, call 703-746-4242 or visit www.gadsbystavern.org.

Book Sale. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Friends of Beatley Central Library. This book sale opens to members and the public interested in books, DVDs and CDs at an affordable price. 5005 Duke St. Visit http://www.alexandria.lib.va.us. or call 703-746-1702.

Saturday/Oct. 20

Spirits, Suffering and Society. 6-9 p.m. A re-enactment focusing on the social aspects of dying in a Civil War hospital. Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco St. Call 703-548-1789.

Spooky Saturdays at the Athenaeum. 1-2 p.m. Making scary pop-up cards. Free. Recommended for children 6-9 years old. The Athenaeum is located at 201 Prince St. Visit www.nvfaa.org.

250th Anniversary of the Election of George Washington to the Vestry. 4:30-7 p.m. Local George Washington interpreter, Greg Fisher, will be discussing such topics as the role of a vestryman in Truro Parish, the planning and building of Pohick Church, and his hopes for the future as he leaves for Philadelphia as a delegate to the first Continental Congress. The program will be followed by a discussion, a reception and book-signing by Mary V. Thompson, author of “In the Hands of a Good Providence: Religion in the Life of George Washington.” Tickets are $10 per person or $25 per family. For reservations call 703-372-1296. Pohick Church is located at 9301 Richmond Hwy in Lorton, at the corner of U.S. 1 & Telegraph Road. Visit http://www.pohick.org.

Lecture on The Story of Toby the Learned Pig. Doors open at 3 p.m. and the lecture begins at 3:30 p.m. Join Gadsby's Tavern Museum for a special lecture from Russell Potter, Rhode Island College professor and author of PYG: The Memoirs of Toby the Learned Pig. Potter will talk about his research and learned pigs in 18th-century Alexandria, as well as read excerpts from the book. After the lecture, enjoy a special book signing, including Toby-approved refreshments. $20 per person and $15 for members of Gadsby's Tavern Museum Society and Gadsby's Tavern Museum volunteers. Tickets may be purchased by calling 703-746-4242 or through www.gadsbystavern.org.

Historic Huntley. Boy Scouts can hear the chilling tales during an overnight stay. Historic Huntley also hosts programs for scouts to earn merit badges, for homeschoolers seeking out local history, and for the general public. Information about all of the programs at Historic Huntley is available at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/huntley-meadows-park/historic-huntley.htm or by calling Huntley Meadows Park at 703-768-2525. Historic Huntley is located at 6918 Harrison Ln.

Kids’ Class: Halloween Cookie Decorating. 1-2:30 p.m. Ages 4+ learn how to roll and cut cookie dough and then decorate cookie shapes using colored icing and candy. Children take home what they make. Admission: $35. Advance registration is required. Call 703-548-2868 to secure a spot. Sugar Cube, 1218 King St.

Book Sale. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friends of Beatley Central Library. This book sale opens to members and the public interested in books, DVDs and CDs at an affordable price. 5005 Duke St. Visit http://www.alexandria.lib.va.us. or call 703-746-1702.

Concert. 7 p.m. Choralis presents a concert of American choral music, including gospel, spirituals, folk, Native American and classical by Echos and the Cantus youth choirs. At Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center, Northern Virginia Community College, 3001 N. Beauregard St. Tickets are $5 for students of 13-22; free for children under 12; $30 -$55 for adults. Visit www.choralis.org or call 703-237-2499.

Fundraiser Walk/Run. 8 a.m. The Alexandria Walk to Fight Breast Cancer raises money for mammograms and diagnostic testing to uninsured and underinsured women. Participants have the option of either the 1.5K, 3.5K or 5K walk or run. This year’s Walk will be held at the AMC Hoffman Theatres and the Hoffman Center, located at Eisenhower Avenue and Swamp Fox Road. On-site registration begins at 6:30 a.m. and the opening ceremony begins at 8 a.m. Visit www.alexcancerwalk.com.

Biking. 10 a.m.-noon. This is a family-friendly 7-mile ride from Jones Point Park to National Harbor and back. This ride will be on bike paths all the way. There are two hills (the Wilson Bridge is like a long gradual hill) and one gravel section. Participants can stop at National Harbor for about 30 minutes to have fun before returning. Families with children are encouraged to attend. Children under 16 are legally required to wear a helmet. Meet at the Jones Point Park, near the restrooms. Bring a bicycle and water. Free. To RSVP, contact Jonathan Krall at jonathan@jonathankrall.net.

Oktoberfest & Silent Auction. 3-7 p.m. The entire community is invited to St. Aidan's annual Oktoberfest. The Kinderfest, from 3-5 p.m., is hosted by St. Aidan's Day School and includes a variety of games and activities for children. Oktoberfest features live German music, great food and drink. There will be a variety of grilled wurst, homemade hot German potato salad and other treats. The silent auction includes a range of gift items and donated services. At St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, 8531 Riverside Rd. Call 703-360-4220, or visit http://staidansepiscopal.com/drivingdirections.

Sunday/Oct. 21

Cauldron Tea. 2 p.m. Come to the Carlyle House terrace for a spooky afternoon tea that will be sure to cast a spell on your Halloween celebrations. After the tea, guests are invited to tour the museum and learn about 18th century funeral and mourning practices in Virginia. Costumes welcome. Admission: $25. Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax St. Call 703-549-2997.

Concert. 7 p.m. Focus Alexandria presents folk artist David Roth with special guest Lea at Church of the Resurrection, 2280 N. Beauregard St. Tickets are $18 general, $15 in advance at www.focusmusic.org. Call 703-501-6061.

Jazz Concert. 4 p.m. The Committee for Jazz at Meade will feature Anita King at Meade Church, 322 N. Alfred St. Donation is $15. Light refreshments will be served, and parking is available in the church's lot and on the street.

Book Sale. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friends of Beatley Central Library. This book sale opens to members and the public interested in books, DVDs and CDs at an affordable price. 5005 Duke St. Visit http://www.alexandria.lib.va.us. or call 703-746-1702.

Walk for Homeless Animals. 9 a.m. The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria is hosting the Alexandria Shelter Walk for Homeless Animals, a family-friendly community event to benefit the residents of the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter and help raise awareness about the problem of pet overpopulation. The 1.5-mile walk begins and ends at Market Square and walkers and their four-legged companions will travel through the historic neighborhoods of Old Town Alexandria. All proceeds from the event assist the League in combatting overpopulation and promoting responsible animal care. Open to the public. Prizes will be awarded to top fundraisers and a raffle will be held. Contact Patrick Cole at 703-746-5655 or 703-585-7065, or email pcole@AlexandriaAnimals.org.

Through Oct. 21

Jacques Brel. The classic compilation of Brel’s brilliant music about life and death, love and loss, will be in performance at MetroStage Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets, $48-55, at 800-494-8497 or www.metrostage.org. MetroStage, 1201 N. Royal St. Call 703-548-9044.

Tuesday/Oct. 23

Oct. 23 through Nov. 18

Free Art Exhibition. Potomac Fiber Arts Gallery announces the opening of the juried show “Black and White.” Black and white may be expressed as color, value, feelings, politics and/or mood. Jewelry, sculpture, clothing, and wall pieces are some of the items that will be exhibited. The gallery is located in Studio 18 of the Torpedo Factory Art Center at 105 N. Union St. Visit www.torpedofactory.org.

Wednesday/Oct. 24

Art on the Rocks. 6-9 p.m. An art-inspired cocktail competition hosted by The Art League at the Torpedo Factory Art Center. Must be 21 or older to attend. The Art League Gallery, 105 N. Union St. 703-683-1780.

Author Series. 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Spend a spooky evening with L.B. Taylor and talk about The Ghosts of Virginia at the Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke St. Call 703-746-1702.

Thursday/Oct. 25

Ghosts and Folklore. 7 p.m. Alexandria is one of the most haunted cities in the country. Michael Lee Pope (author of Ghosts of Alexandria) and JJ Smith (author of Haunted Alexandria and Northern Virginia) join Betty Ward of Footsteps to the Past to share stories of the Female Stranger, Swope House and Ramsay House. A coffee and dessert reception follows the stories. Those who dare may take a short ghost walk at the end of this event. Admission $10. The Athenaeum, 201 Prince St. Call 703-548-0035.

Spooky Saturdays at the Athenaeum. 1-2 p.m. Eerie Origami. Free. Recommended for children 6-9 years old. The Athenaeum is located at 201 Prince St. Visit www.nvfaa.org.

Trick or Treat with the Boo-tiques. 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. Ghouls and goblins, witches and wizards of all ages will be trick or treating with the Old Town Boutique District this Halloween. 35 member stores will be handing out treats — and maybe some tricks.

Funeral & Ghost Tour. 6-9 p.m. Step back in time and be a part of this historic funeral and learn about mourning practices in early America. Admission is $15 including a ghost tour of Old Town, during which participants will visit the candlelit Carlyle House to view the coffin and pay respects to surviving family members. At 9 p.m., return to Carlyle House to escort John Carlyle’s body to the Old Presbyterian Meeting House and visit his lantern-lit grave. Call 703-683-3451 to purchase ticket. Reservations are recommended. Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax St.

Saturday & Sunday/Oct. 27 & 28

Fall Harvest Family Days. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mount Vernon welcomes the autumn season with Fall Harvest Family Days. The entire family will enjoy autumn activities including horse-drawn wagon rides, wheat treading in the 16-sided barn, a straw bale maze, early-American games and demonstrations. In addition to meeting “George Washington,” visitors can also learn 18th-century dance steps! Potomac River sightseeing cruises are half-price while supplies last. Fall Harvest Family Days is included with admission to the estate this weekend: $15 adults; $14 seniors; $7 children 6-11; free for children under 5. Visit www.MountVernon.org.

Sunday/Oct. 28

QuinTango Cabaret. 5-8 p.m. Admission: $25 + $25 dinner. Proceeds from this event support QuinTango's work in Alexandria Public Schools, with StringTango classes for 5th graders and dance workshops for all ages. Carlyle Club, 411 John Carlyle St. Call 703- 548-6811

“Carmina Burana and Choral Dances.” 4 p.m. At the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College, 3001 North Beauregard St. Visit www.newdominion.org. Prices are $30 (general admission), $25 for seniors, and $5 for students and children.

Time Capsule Tour. Thomas Dolby’s first U.S. full-band tour since the release of his critically hailed A Map of the Floating City. At the Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave. Visit http://www.birchmere.com/

“Carmina Burana and Choral Dances.” 4 p.m. at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College, 3001 North Beauregard St. Tickets are available at www.newdominion.org or at the door. $30 (general admission), $25 for seniors, and $5 for students and children.

Annual Halloween Dog Walk. 1 p.m. The Dog Park shop on King Street is organizing the popular Halloween Dog Walk. Trick-or-treating dogs and their humans are invited to stop by the Dog Park for a map and bag and then visit participating businesses for more treats. Free. The Dog Park, 705 King St. Call 703-888-2818.

Oct. 29 through Nov. 4

Art Exhibition. Día de los Muertos: The Art of Remembrance - Exhibition & Celebration. There will be a Costume and Dance Party on Friday, Nov. 2, 8-11 p.m.. Tickets: $15 in advance, $20 at door, or two for $35. Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St. Visit

www.torpedofactory.org/dayofthedead.

Tuesday/Oct. 30

Poetry Presentation. 10:30 a.m. Join the “Tuesdays at Two” writing group showcasing talented local writers and poets. Free and open to the public. Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Rd. Call 703-765-4573 to reserve a seat.

Doggie Happy Howl-o-ween Costume Contest. Registration 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; contest begins at 6 p.m. Jackson 20 and Kimpton’s Hotel Monaco Alexandria host their annual Doggie Happy Howl-o-ween Costume Contest. Local pets and their human companions can model their Halloween finest while competing for prizes in a contest in the outdoor courtyard. Open to the public. Prizes will be awarded. Registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis, for a limited number of entries. Spectators are welcome. Event will be held in the restaurant’s courtyard; use the Royal Street entrance. Admission is TBD. At Jackson 20 Restaurant, 480 King St. Call 703-842-2790.

Thursday/Nov. 1

6th Annual Alexandria Film Festival. The festival brings high-quality short and feature length films, documentaries, filmmaker panels and arts presentations to Alexandria. Presented by the Alexandria Commission for the Arts and the City of Alexandria Office of the Arts from Nov. 1-4. Call 703-746-5592

Fridays & Saturdays/Nov. 2 through Nov. 17

Port City Playhouse. 8 p.m. Alexandria’s award-winning theatre company continues its 2012-13 season with the regional community theatre premiere of The Soul Collector. There will be a performance on Tuesday, Nov. 13 too. Saturday matinees will be available on Nov. 10 & 17 at 2 p.m. Port City Playhouse performs at The Lab at Convergence, located at 1819 N. Quaker Ln. General admission tickets are $14-18. Visit portcityplayhouse.org.

Saturday/Nov. 3

Church-wide Yard Sale. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. The public is welcome to come and shop. Baked goods and lunch also available for sale. At Cameron United Methodist Church located at 3130 Franconia Rd. Rain or Shine. If you want to be a seller, contact Marilyn by Oct.22 at 703-765-6817 to purchase a table for $20.

Through Nov. 4

Exhibition of 2D and 3D Artwork. Featuring ceramic artist Daiva Balkus and photographer Ruth Ann Lowery. At Gallery West, located at 1213 King St. Visit www.gallery-west.info.

Tuesday/Nov. 6

Election Day Dinner. Jackson 20 Chef Brian McPherson has created a three-course, Andrew Jackson-inspired menu, available for $20 on Election Day for those wearing an “I Voted” sticker. The restaurant is located at 480 King St. For reservations and more information call 703-842-2790 or visit www.jackson20.com or www.facebook.com/Jackson20.

Wednesday/Nov. 7

Author Series. 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Alma Katsu will talk about The Reckoning, second book of the Taker Trilogy at the Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke St. Call 703-746-1702.

Thursday/Nov. 8

War at the Birchmere. $49.50. Visit http://war.com or www.Birchmere.com.

Art Night at the Torpedo Factory 6-9 p.m. Free. Browse open studios and galleries, interact with artists, and enjoy refreshments at this free event held on the second Thursday of each month. Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St. Call 703-838-4565.

Art Night at the Torpedo Factory 6-9 p.m. Free. Browse open studios and galleries, interact with artists, and enjoy refreshments at this free event held on the second Thursday of each month. Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St. Call 703-838-4565.

Friday/Nov. 9-11

Alexandria Antiques Show & Sale. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Admission is $12, $10 with ad. The Alexandria Antiques Show will feature 31 selected National and International prominent antiques dealers who will offer an extensive assortment of 18th- and 19th-century furniture from around the world, objects d'art, and worldly treasures including fine art, decorative art, accessories, silver, antique jewelry much more, from the exceptional to the extraordinary. George Washington Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Dr. Call 973-927-2794.

Through Nov. 11

Wax Works. The exhibition will feature six artists whose work begins at the definition of ‘encaustic’ and explores the application, functionality and versatility of wax as a medium. Free. The Athenaeum, 201 Prince St. Visit www.nvfaa.org.

Saturday/Nov. 17

Cider Assembly Ball 8-11 p.m. Reservations required. This evening in the 1780s will feature a variety of English country dances in the ballroom, live music, cash bar showcasing Virginia ciders and seasonal dessert collation. Period costume optional, “after-five” attire encouraged. Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. Call 703-746-4242

Run for Shelter 5K/10K + Fun Run. 8 a.m. Carpenter’s Shelter and Pacers are hosting their second annual Run for Shelter 5K/10K + Fun Run. Musicians from the Del Ray School of Music will be performing along the course route. All proceeds benefit Carpenter’s Shelter and its work on behalf of homeless individuals, children, and families. It is an out and back course, starting at the USPTO Madison Building on Eisenhower Avenue. 5K/10K registration is $35 and Fun Run registration is $30. On-site registration will be available for $40 beginning at 7 a.m. Free parking is available in the USPTO East Parking Garage located on John Carlye Street. Visit www.runforshelter10k.com or tweet @Run4Shelter10k.

Sunday/Nov. 18

New Birchmere shows will go on sale. Noon through Ticketmaster.com. or call 800-745-3000. The Birchmere Box Office is open from 5-9 p.m. any night of a show. An evening with Sam Bush & Del McCoury, two old.

Mar. 15-16

Open Through 2012

The Marshall House Incident Exhibition:This exhibit at Fort Ward features objects from the museum collection to tell the notable story about the event that launched the Civil War in Alexandria. Fort Ward Museum (4301 West Braddock Rd.) is open Tuesday - Saturday, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Sunday, from noon - 5 p.m. Visit www.fortward.org or call 703-746-4848.

SPECIAL COLLECTIONS NEW HOURS. Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library, 717 Queen St. Alexandria Library is pleased to extend the operating hours of its Special Collections branch, which will now be open every Saturday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Saturday/Nov. 17

Friday/Jan. 18, 2013

The Northern Virginia Fine Arts Society (NVFAA) is pleased to announce the next four scheduled SLAM ALEXANDRIA spoken word poetry events at the Athenaeum in Old Town. Admission is free for all, but attendees interested in competing in the poetry slam can pay an entry fee of $10 for a chance to win a $100 cash prize. Featuring live music, scheduled artists, and an open mic, SLAM ALEXANDRIA is hosted by Shelly Bell and co-sponsored by the NVFAA and Shelly B. Arts. The event starts at 7 p.m. and is located at The Athenaeum, 201 Prince St.

Through Sept. 2013

Life in Civil War Alexandria Exhibition. Daily exhibit traces life in Alexandria following Virginia's decision to secede from the Union in May 1861. At The Lyceum, Alexandria's History Museum, 201 South Washington St. Open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Suggested admission $2. Visit www.alexandriahistory.org or call 703-746-4994.